India's messy democracy impediment in race against China: Article

Beijing: India faces serious developmental challenges including its "messy" democracy before it can think of overtaking China, an article in state-run media here said asking India to shed its "Cold War mindset" to improve ties.

"More importantly, democracy, which the nation is so proud of, has become a burden for development. For example, building a railway in India takes much more time than it does in China," the article in Global Times titled "India faces tests before it can overtake China" said referring to reports by the World Bank and other institutions that India will overtake China economically in the next few years.

"Whenever policymakers decide to go in for large-scale construction, protests will be raised against it, mostly by opposition parties and groups. The messy democratic tradition in India has made it hard to deliver a coherent approach to get every piece of big projects done," it said.

"In addition, the country has not found a way yet to get around the problem of the polarisation of wealth and corruption remains rampant," it said.

"As a matter of fact, China is now providing a chance for both of the countries' economic strength to ride high. The initiatives of the Silk Road Economic Belt and the 21st Century Maritime Silk Road, which were unveiled by Chinese President Xi Jinping, would build a massive trade and infrastructure network connecting East Asia with Europe, and pose an opportunity for a win-win bilateral cooperation.

"But many people in India are still stuck with a Cold War mentality toward China. Apart from the remaining border disputes, they do not think the network, or any connection with China would benefit India. On the contrary, they are extremely vigilant, believing that the Chinese army may invade once a railway is built through the two states," it said.

"What's more, they always doubt that China will interfere in the affairs of northeast India by supporting separatist militants. To be frank, they should stop over-thinking. China has no intention of interfering in the internal affairs of any other countries," it said.

"If India could give up its Cold War mindset, China-India cooperation will be promising. Even if India does outrun China some day in the future, Beijing will give New Delhi its warmest congratulations," it said.